Our planets resources are not inexhaustable
To the Expositor:
When I read a letter to the editor written by Susan Hart on the recycling of textiles I wondered what prompted it (‘Many volunteer organizations collecting and putting those materials to use,’ March 20, Page 4.)
Then I looked at the headline for the article and thought, well maybe that could be read as implying the recycling of textiles on Manitoulin is novel and I know that isn’t the case. First I’d like to thank Ms. Hart for her reminder and commend her for pointing out that the Knox United Church in Manitowaning makes excellent use of all donations and we should all continue to support and promote their fantastic and charitable contributions to our neighbours.
My wife and I have regularly donated clothing to Manitoulin Family Resources in Mindemoya. But, fortunately for us, we can still afford both the cost for driving as well as the time necessary to get to their facilities, but not everyone on our island can afford either. So, I think this option offered by the Island Wide Waste Management Committee of having the Sic Sox receptacles located conveniently throughout the Island will encourage our neighbours to divert a range of textiles (not just clothing).
Individually, we need to divert over 47 kilos of textiles on average we throw away every year, and the advantage of the Sic Sox alternative is if the garment cannot be enjoyed by someone else the products will be shredded and applied as insulation for homes. Hopefully we can all support any of these great associations and divert more from our landfills and reload stations.
Overall, I always keep one fact foremost in my mind when I’m focusing on what I can do to help the planet and the human race survive. Every year we are consuming far more than the planet can produce. Sadly, where efficiency used to be what our corporate leaders strived for (return on investment – ROI – of more than 15 percent was well rewarded), now it seems that doubling and re-doubling output is the only way to corporate glory. Our planet’s resources are not infinite, so whenever I get chance to do even a tiny bit to reduce, reuse, recycle I jump at the opportunity. I’m glad to hear that Susan Hart and the congregation at Knox Church are too!
Paul Darlaston
Kagawong
